MARAD awards nearly $10 million in grants to small shipyards

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced today $9.98 million in grants to 13 small U.S. shipyards through the U.S. Maritime Administrations Small Shipyards Grants Program. The money is aimed to help shipyards throughout the United States modernize their facilities, increase productivity, and help make the country’s small shipyards more competitive in the global marketplace.

“These grants will help improve our ability to build and repair ships in the United States, strengthening our economy and helping position these small businesses and shipyard workers to be better prepared to win the future,” said Secretary LaHood.

Over 50,000 Americans are employed by small shipyards in the United States, varying in size from family-owned businesses employing a few dozen workers to state-of-the-art facilities with hundreds of employees.

“This money will help train workers and buy new tools and equipment,” said U.S. Maritime Administrator David Matsuda. “Having these essential needs taken care of will help these small shipyards be more productive, efficient, and able to sustain good jobs for American workers well into the future.”

MARAD previously announced $9.8 million in grants available to qualified small shipyards for capital and related improvements, and received over 118 grant applications requesting $105 million in assistance.

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